Arizona weekly citizen., 1887-04-02
Death of Hon. W. =, Oury.

Aaa4s AlAlAtls A-tGh aA.
 Notwithstanding all ones familiarity with death in its many forms and un- pleasant frequency, the announcement Of its unwelcome presence brings B nat ursl pail of sadness that weighs down the heart with sorrow and woe. How ever we'll one may recognize the philOso- phy of inevitable dissolution, there is still an undefnsble and unconquerable dread of death that no brsvado ID the victim can conceal. nor the most implicit faith in its divine justice pnciiy. The realization that the end has come to the happy and IOyOus hOGgs that were loved so dearly, and that a cOm- psnion more precious that One's own life has been taken away forever, bring a sense ef desolstion that's almost cruel in its relentless and painful inhic;.On. The years that bring gray locks Co fros- U age are held iu DO greater,rt ver0nce by this myterlOus visitor. than a-s the ten der buds Of time that wither under its blight; and the poor. feeble and help less creatures lIke tEc strongest of mighty mankind are, must fall as the autumn leaf n the chilling blast, and there IS no escape.
 The public was likewise startled this morning at the annOucement that "Un- cle Billy Oury," ss he was familsrly called, was dead. The summons had come ere any one was aware that he was Ill; indeed. he had been but slightly ln- disposed last evening and It was not thought that anything serious troubled him. This morning he wa. selzed with violent pans apparently across the uppr portion of hIS stomach, and ID par0zysm he fell forward from char 10 the floor. Assis- tRnce was Rt hand promptly, and raised hIs head upon pillow, for it Wis seen that the end had come. 4 phy- sicisn was at once summoned, but when be arrived Ar. Oury was dead. He had given three or four gasps after falling, and passed away peacefully and quietly.
 Mr. Onry was born in Virginia in lSl6, and would have reached q years of age on August l3.h next. 4 large portion of his life WAS spent n Texas, and he was in the Texas war under Col. Jack Hayes ana wls also m the Mexican war.
 h lS62, when the California column came 70 Tucson, Mir. Oury was about the only American that wss not sent Co Yuma for treason. His subsequent hls- tory has be the history Of the growth and civilization of Pima county, and ID every measure of public welfare he has been foremost amongst the people. Al- though so prominently identified with current events, he did not seek office, but was content to help his friends. He was elected sheriff in 1872 and wBs re- elected in 1874, since which time until be was appointed deputy collector of customs last year, he held no office. He was the captain Of tine Papago expedition 10 the old Camp Grant affair, and these Indians still hold him in such high respect that large delegation of them will be among the most sincere mourners at hlS funeral.
 He was married in California, and leaves n widow and three children: one, the wife of Msj. c. C. smith. who was with her father at his deatE; one, the wife of Dr. Girsrd, now at Fort Schuy Ter, New York, and one son, young man now at college in Berkeiey,iCG'. The latter hss been telegcaphei ot the sad affair and be will probably srrlye here on Sunday morning.
 Mrs. Oury was at their Ianque Verde
 
 ranch at the time of her husoands death. but arrived in tue city shortly after noon to day. She IS completely crazed with grief and seems obiIvlous to the tender and fearful mInisiratlons or the sympstbizing friends that surround her.
 Mr. Oury was a member Of the Society of Arizona Pioneers. and its first presi- dent He took lively interest m its affairs and was among the most active or ifs members. The society met this alter noon and appointed e guard Of honor 70 attend the remains until after 'hs bar iaI. the time for which hks been hxei for Sunday at 10 R. ID.
 Asa politician Mr. OuTy vas an un- compromising democrat, ever ready [" 20 to almos. extreme measures to uph'io its principles. In hIs prlvste charsctsI he was above reproacb, Bnd his inteerl'! has never been assaulted in the slightest degree. He vas generous. hospltAoIe and cheerful to every one and hls oe uign countenRnce will be sadly nli7ssd from every public gathering and prlVA'e walk of life.
 Peace to his ashes.